Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has been awarded the prestigious AMI Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his remarkable contributions to applied microbiology and global public health. The award, granted annually by Applied Microbiology International (AMI), celebrates individuals whose work has made a significant impact on the field. With a career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Ihekweazu’s leadership and expertise in managing infectious diseases have established him as a leading figure in global health.
Prior to his current position at the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Ihekweazu served as the inaugural Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2016 to 2021. During his tenure, he guided the agency through some of the most complex public health challenges, including the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership at NCDC is regarded as transformative, as he set a new global standard for infectious disease management in challenging conditions. Under his direction, the NCDC significantly improved Nigeria’s disease surveillance capabilities, expanded its laboratory network, and launched the country’s first national reference lab, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to health threats.
Dr. Ihekweazu, an infectious disease epidemiologist by training, has held senior leadership roles in several renowned public health institutions, including South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the UK Health Protection Agency, and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI). His broad experience working in national public health institutes across the globe equipped him to lead NCDC in tackling a wide range of health threats, from Lassa fever to cholera. His efforts have not only saved millions of lives in Nigeria but have also influenced public health strategies worldwide.
AMI Chief Executive Dr. Lucy Harper praised Dr. Ihekweazu’s leadership, particularly during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises, describing his performance as "nothing short of exemplary." She emphasized his foresight and effectiveness in steering these global health emergencies, noting that his leadership set a new benchmark for public health resilience in Africa. Dr. Harper highlighted how his leadership safeguarded millions and demonstrated the strength and adaptability of public health systems in the face of crises.
In addition to his national leadership roles, Dr. Ihekweazu has worked closely with WHO, taking part in several short-term missions to respond to infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. In his current role as assistant director-general at WHO, he oversees pandemic and epidemic intelligence, further solidifying his reputation as a global health leader. He is now focused on strengthening the world’s ability to predict, detect, and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Dr. Ihekweazu’s work has not only advanced applied microbiology but also underscored the critical importance of robust public health systems in addressing global health challenges. His contributions at NCDC, in particular, showed how strong leadership, innovation, and preparedness can make a profound impact in saving lives. His ongoing work at WHO will likely continue to shape global health policies and preparedness strategies for years to come.
The AMI Honorary Fellowship is a well-deserved acknowledgment of Dr. Ihekweazu’s exceptional contributions to public health. As Dr. Harper expressed, few are more deserving of this esteemed recognition, given his ongoing influence on the global stage and his unwavering dedication to protecting populations from infectious diseases. His achievements continue to inspire public health professionals worldwide, highlighting the vital role of leadership and expertise in overcoming health crises.